Information for Students

New Jersey Thespians offers a variety of events designed to nurture and inspire middle and high school theatre artists. Through festivals, competitions, and workshops, students have the opportunity to showcase their talents, develop their skills, and collaborate with peers from across the state. These events foster creativity, teamwork, and confidence, helping young artists grow both personally and professionally as they explore the many facets of theatre.

Resources for Students

Join us at NJ Festival!

Celebrate theatre with two days of performances, workshops, and opportunities to shine.

Earn medals for your Thespy performances
Perform and watch our Chapter Selects
Learn & grow in engaging workshops
Meet with colleges and explore your future
Shop vendors for theatre treasures
Support great causes like BC/EFA & the EdTA Foundation
Join panel discussions with industry experts
And most importantly—have fun with fellow theatre lovers!

Registration opens in the Fall, with the NJ Thespian Festival occurring in January.

Become a State Leader!

Become a NJ Thespian Student Thespian Officer!
Help shape the magic of the NJ High School Thespian Festival—and beyond.
As a state leader, you’ll:

Plan the entire festival—from workshops and panel discussions to the annual theme and shirt design
Choose the fun! Decide what activities and special events to offer
Support causes by working the Broadway Cares Flea Market every September
Advocate for the arts with access to attend EdTA’s Arts Advocacy Day in March
Drive creativity by planning our social media marketing campaigns
Gain leadership skills and make statewide connections with theatre lovers

Be the voice that inspires, organizes, and leads—your stage is waiting.

Applications open every January.

Join us at ITF!

ITF is the premier experience for Thespians – students inducted into the national theatre honorary called the International Thespian Society. ITF celebrates outstanding student work and elevates the teachers who create those opportunities to learn and excel.

ITF showcases dozens of student performances, including full-length main stage productions and one-acts, on a national stage. ITF is home to the annual Thespy Awards program, where more than 1,500 students compete for superior honors and Thespy Awards, the highest achievement in school theatre. Student technicians compete in the BACKstage Challenge. Students can take workshops on every aspect of theatre and participate in talkback sessions with Broadway and theatre industry professionals.

Held in June every year. Click HERE for more information.

Apply for Scholarships!

The Educational Theatre Foundation is proud to offer scholarships to inducted Thespians who meet the eligibility criteria. Applications are open February 1-April 1 annually with winners announced in May.

Click HERE for more information.